Egypt: Harsh sentence for 12 pro-Mursi protesters

An Egyptian court sentenced 12 people to 17 years in prison each over charges linked to their attack on al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's main seat of learning.

Ousted President Mohammed Mursi's Muslim Brotherhood group described the defendants, who may appeal the ruling, as Mursi supporters.

Cairo's el-Gamaliya Misdemeanor Court on Wednesday also set bail for each defendant at 64,000 Egyptian pounds ($9,000) pending any appeal.

The verdict said the defendants were convicted for "gathering to influence authorities and impede implementation of the law," as well as thuggery, assault, sabotage and other charges.

On Oct. 30, supporters of ousted President Mohammad Mursi held a demonstration outside al-Azhar headquarters. MENA says protesters hurled chunks of marble at the building and verbally insulted the grand imam.